Questions to Ask When Considering Private Schools

It’s not an exhaustive list, but it’ll at least get you started …

• Does the school have a particular educational philosophy or mission?

• What’s the school’s approach to student discipline and safety?

• How does the school encourage and monitor student progress toward meeting grade-level standards?

• What kinds of library resources are available to students?

• How is technology used to support teaching and learning at the school?

• How do the arts fit into the curriculum? Is there a school choir, band or orchestra? A school play? Art classes?

• What extracurricular opportunities (sports, clubs, community service, competitions) are available for students?

• How do students get to school? Is free busing available?

• How does the school support students who have academic, social or emotional difficulties?

• What professional development opportunities do teachers have? In what ways do teachers collaborate?

• What are some of the school’s greatest accomplishments? What are some of the biggest challenges facing the school?